Abstract

SUMMARY

In vitro studies of neutrophils from a young man with the clinical manifestations of chronic granulomatous disease of childhood revealed a selective inability to kill opsonized staphylococci. The defect appeared to be nonfamilial, since neutrophils from his parents demonstrated normal bactericidal capacity in vitro. The patient had no detectable immunoglobulin deficiencies; his serum, however, lacked specific antibodies to staphylococcal products (F and S antigens of leukocidin). After immunization with staphylococcal toxoids he showed a rise in serum antileukocidin titers and clinical improvement.